Today we’d like to introduce you to Ami Brown.
Hi Ami, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! I’m Ami, the storyteller behind Shea Rose Photography.
My photography journey began in 2009, shortly after my sister-in-law passed away, leaving behind a six-week-old baby girl. In her honor, a nonprofit was created, and I served on the board for a year. Around that time, I had just gotten my first DSLR—and while I was passionate about supporting the nonprofit, I also wanted to get to know my camera.
With that camera in hand, I sent out an email to my neighborhood, sharing my story and offering photo sessions on a donation-only basis to help raise funds for the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status. What started as a small local effort quickly spread by word of mouth, as friends and neighbors shared their experiences. Before I knew it, Shea Rose Photography was born.
Ultimately, it all started with a camera, a desire to capture my kids’ lives, and a heartfelt mission to make a difference. Now, I get to combine all of that into a business that helps people see their own beauty and celebrate life’s moments.
At the heart of it, my work has always been about connection. I’m a single mom of three, and I know firsthand how precious every season of life is. I use my camera to help others celebrate the big milestones and the beautiful in-between.—whether it’s a senior session, a dancer in motion, or an entrepreneur ready to level up their brand.
The name “Shea Rose” is deeply personal—it comes from my daughters’ middle names: Madison Shea and Olivia Rose. My son may not be in the name, but he’s absolutely in the heart of everything I do. My three kids are my biggest inspiration and the reason I do this work with so much love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all a smooth road—more like a winding one with a lot of potholes and detours.
When I started, I wasn’t a photographer. I didn’t know how to use my camera, I didn’t know how to edit, and I had no clue what to charge. I learned everything from scratch—mostly from YouTube, a whole lot of Googling, and trial-and-error. So yes, it was a bumpy ride.
The biggest challenge, though, was juggling all of that while being a single mom of three. I was trying to build something I believed in while also raising a family and learning how to run a business that came at me fast. I had to figure out client management, editing workflows, pricing, and how to deliver a full experience—while also packing school lunches, helping with homework, and showing up for my kids.
But here’s the thing: I never gave up. I kept learning, kept growing, and kept showing up. Every struggle helped shape the photographer—and the woman—I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in senior sessions, dancer portraits, personal branding and headshots. I work with people who want more than just a nice photo—they want to feel something when they look at their images. Whether it’s a graduating senior, a dancer in motion, or a business owner ready to show up confidently in their brand, my goal is always the same: to help people see their own beauty and strength.
What sets me apart is how I connect with my clients. I create a space that’s fun, laid-back, and judgment-free. Most people show up nervous, and they leave feeling like they’ve just hung out with a friend who happens to be holding a camera. That’s the vibe.
I’m most proud of the way my work helps people feel seen—especially those who aren’t used to being in front of the camera. I’ve had clients cry when they see their photos because, for the first time, they feel truly beautiful and confident. That’s what keeps me coming back.
This isn’t just a job—it’s personal. Every session is a collaboration, a little piece of storytelling, and a reminder that we’re all worthy of being captured, celebrated, and remembered.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is connection. I genuinely care about people, and I think that comes through in everything I do—from how I show up in a session to how I talk to clients before we even meet. I’m not just snapping a pretty picture—I’m creating a space where people can feel comfortable, confident, and seen.
That connection is what helps people open up in front of the camera. It’s what turns nervous energy into real smiles, and what transforms a quick session into something they remember. Pair that with my determination to keep learning and growing (because trust me, I had no idea how to do any of this when I started!), and that’s been the winning combo.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shearosephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SheaRosePhotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheaRosePhotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-brown-80840812/
Image Credits
Shea Rose Photography 😉
